Nanyang Technological University (NTU) said yesterday it will be working with Austrian researchers and industry to enable environmental technologies found in temperate countries to work effectively in the tropics.
Two such research agreements will be sealed today during the visit of Austrian president Dr Heinz Fischer.
For the first project, NTU will collaborate with the Austrian Institute of Technology to study the feasibility of embedding pipes in walls and ceilings to carry cooled water. Private developers and government agencies are expected to contribute up to S$1 million to fund this research.
According to NTU, the other initiative will look at how a tropical country such as Singapore can more effectively harvest solar thermal energy.
NTU is partnering SOLID ASIA, a manufacturer and operator of large-scale solar thermal plants, to conduct this research.
The two partners will set up a Centre of Excellence in Solar Thermal. The facility is likely to be sited in the upcoming CleanTech Park adjacent to the NTU campus.
The project is expected to get funding of up to S$2 million from industry and government.
Dr Fischer, who is here on a two-day State visit at the invitation of President S R Nathan, was given a ceremonial welcome at the Istana on Monday.
Apart from political and economic developments in Europe and Asia, both men also discussed bilateral cooperation.
Mr Nathan hosted a State banquet for Dr Fischer and his wife. Earlier, Dr Fischer also met with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
